Christian Career Coach: When Christ Calls You to Move: The Importance of Obedience in Your Career
As Christians, we are called to live a life of obedience, not just in our personal walk with God but also in our professional lives. One of the hardest decisions we often face is knowing when it’s time to move on from a job or role. Staying in a position when God is clearly telling you it’s time to go can be detrimental—not just to your career but to your spiritual well-being.
The Call to Obedience in Our Careers
Obedience to God isn’t limited to our spiritual practices or moral decisions; it extends to every area of our lives, including our careers. When God nudges you to move on, it’s important to listen. Often, He provides signs that it’s time to leave, but we can be so focused on our own plans or fears that we ignore them.
Whether it’s the comfort of a steady paycheck, the fear of the unknown, or the hope that things will improve, we may resist the urge to move, convincing ourselves to stay put. However, staying in a role that no longer aligns with God’s plan can hinder our growth, both professionally and spiritually.
Recognizing the Signs
God often communicates with us through circumstances, and there are several signs that may indicate it’s time to consider moving on:
The Departure of Good Leaders: When you notice that strong, respected leaders in your organization are leaving, it could be a sign that change is coming. These leaders may have insights or information that you don’t, and their departure might be an indication that the company is headed in a direction that isn’t aligned with your best interests.
Layoffs and Hiring Freezes: If you’re seeing layoffs or a halt in hiring, it might be a signal that the organization is struggling. While this doesn’t always mean you should leave immediately, it’s worth paying attention to these changes. They could be God’s way of prompting you to start exploring other opportunities before things get worse.
Increased Scrutiny from Management: If your manager starts documenting your performance more closely, or if you notice HR being looped into more conversations, it could be a sign that your time in that role is coming to an end. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, this increased scrutiny could indicate that your current role may not be a good fit anymore.
A Growing Sense of Restlessness: Sometimes, the most powerful sign is an internal one—a growing sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction with your job. This feeling may be God stirring your heart and preparing you for a new season. Ignoring this can lead to burnout or missed opportunities that God has prepared for you elsewhere.
A Personal Story: When Ignoring the Signs Leads to the Unexpected
Let me share a story about my dad. He had a plan to stay with his employer until he was ready to retire. He had worked hard and was looking forward to the day when he could finally enjoy the fruits of his labor. But things didn’t go as planned. His employer decided to let him go early, and it was a total shock and surprise to him.
Looking back, I believe there were warning signs that he ignored. Perhaps there were shifts in company culture, changes in leadership, or subtle hints that things were not as secure as they once were. But like many of us, he chose to stay because it felt safer than stepping into the unknown. Unfortunately, by the time the decision was made for him, it was too late to prepare.
This experience taught me the importance of being attuned to the signs God may be sending and the need to act in obedience when it’s time to move on.
The Dangers of Staying Too Long
Remaining in a role when God is telling you to leave can have several negative consequences:
Missed Opportunities: By staying in a place where you no longer belong, you could miss out on the new opportunities God has prepared for you. God’s plans are always for our good, and moving in obedience could lead to growth and blessings you never imagined.
Increased Stress and Anxiety: Staying in a role that isn’t aligned with God’s will can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and even physical or emotional harm. When you’re out of alignment with God’s plan, peace becomes elusive, and your work can feel like a burden.
Spiritual Stagnation: Disobedience can lead to spiritual stagnation. God may use your career as a means of teaching and growing you, and resisting His guidance can stifle that growth. By remaining where you’re not supposed to be, you limit your potential for spiritual maturity and the fulfillment of God’s purpose in your life.
How to Respond When God Says It’s Time to Go
If you’re sensing that God is telling you it’s time to move on, here are a few steps you can take:
Pray for Clarity and Confirmation: Before making any major decisions, seek God in prayer. Ask Him to confirm what you’re sensing through His Word, through wise counsel, and through further signs.
Prepare for Transition: Start preparing for your next step. Update your resume, network with others in your industry, and begin exploring new opportunities. Trust that God will open the right doors as you move in obedience.
Act in Faith: Moving on from a job can be scary, especially if you don’t have another position lined up. But remember, faith requires action. If God is leading you to go, trust that He will provide for you and guide you to your next assignment.
Seek Counsel: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders about what you’re sensing. They can offer wisdom, encouragement, and confirmation as you discern God’s will.
Final Thoughts
Your career is not separate from your walk with Christ. God cares deeply about your work and your professional journey. When He gives you signs that it’s time to move on, don’t ignore them. Instead, choose to be obedient, trusting that His plans for you are good and that He is leading you to something better.
Remember, success in your career isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about walking in alignment with God’s purpose for your life. So, be attentive to His guidance, and don’t be afraid to take that step of faith when He says it’s time to go. Your obedience will open the door to greater blessings and fulfillment in your career journey.
